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About this quote

What does it mean?
Sticking to old ideas never led to freedom or progress.
In plain terms
Old beliefs do not free people.
What can you take from it?
Challenge outdated traditions.

Where it applies

  • politics
  • social reform
  • debate

Putting it to work

  • re-evaluating norms

Questions to consider

  • What beliefs should be freed?
  • Is loyalty always good?

Another view

Some traditions provide stability.

More from Mark Twain

  1. Be respectful to your superiors, if you have any.

    Permalink to quote #20
  2. An experienced, industrious, ambitious, and often quite picturesque liar.

    Permalink to quote #22
  3. Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.

    Permalink to quote #19

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